Very sad - need to stop feeding so painful but don't know how!

[McBaby]

I have a 3 month old baby EBF have had terrible pain the whole way through due to tongue tie cut twice which led to poor latch and lots damage and pain, thrush, and now this is resolved I have fast let down which is causing her to clamp so it is still majorly uncomfortable. I think it's time I stopped for my own sanity!

But we have been trying to give her a bottle since six weeks and she has never taken it so I feel very stuck! But feel totally unable to continue and it's making me miserable.

It sounds like you are having a tough time.

Some mothers find that different types of bottle work better for their baby than others. It's worth experimenting to see if she might prefer one type over another. Also bear in mind the teat you are using - size 1 has a much slower flow and larger sizes allow the milk to come out more quickly.

Some mothers also find that changing the feeding position helps - some babies prefer a different style of hold to breastfeeding - more upright and held away from your body for example - and others prefer to be snuggled in like breastfeeding. Often, getting someone else to feed with a bottle the first few times if you have someone willing to try can be more successful too.

In the meantime, you may find that putting light pressure on her chin with one finger whilst she is feeding helps with the clamping, and feeding in a position where she is more upright or you are laid back a bit usually helps with fast let down.

Hope that helps and good luck x

Also, have you tried letting someone else feed her? Like your partner, a friend or mum/sister? Some times, they don't want the bottle if they can smell your milk.

I just wondered if you have tried a breast feeding cafe for advice, I had so many problems at the beginning and by chance called into one near me I found the advice was much more laid back than any of the appointments I had. All the other mums were so supportive and helped as well, I just thought it might be worth a go if you're sad to be stopping. They are often run by midwives and they can help with the formula stuff too. I found it really hard until about 5 months and it was nice to hear others saying the same!

I have fast let down which led to a painful clamp. I have found lying back so gravity is slowing it has helped. Also if it is spurting out at the start wait til that is stopped.

Have tried a few diff bottles, times, places, me, partner, hot, c

Cold. As soon as teat is near her mouth she screams and won't tolerate it near her mouth! I'm using breat milk and wondering if I try formula in the bottle she may not associate it with me as much? Don't know if this is a good or bad idea.

I really don't want to quit breast feeding but I'm at breaking point and need a get out option as I think plus not k owing how to stop it is making me more upset.

I'm trying to lay back more but finding it difficult to get the right position with 34 h boobs, and getting 14lb baby in the right position as cant see nipple when laying back!

Currently tring block feeding 4-6 hours on each side it's helping give each side a break hoping it reduces the letdown speed .

To anyone with fast let down when did your LO be able to deal with it?

I had oversupply & let down issues. DS also had TT & I've been told the two are related. Getting the TT sorted helped, we had it done three times and its still partially there but I couldn't face having it done again.

By 15-16 weeks he was bigger & coped much better with it. I also block feed 6 hourly which helps.

Now at 7 months my let down takes ages to come & DS gets bored of waiting so I end up covered in milk. You can't win